Weakened economy has prompted more students to opt for advanced degrees via online programs

Weakened economy has prompted more students to opt for advanced degrees via online programs

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that more college students are opting to take degree programs in the comfort of their own homes.

Danny Ashcom, for example, is a 32-year-old counselor who is currently working towards a master's degree in computer science. He began the program in August, shortly after earning a traditional diploma in psychology, and reports for class each day in his own living room.

"Doing psychology, I wouldn't have thought about an online degree because you need to be face-to-face with people. In computer science, there is no real price to pay for doing it on your own," he explained, quoted by the news source. "You can do it quickly and efficiently."

Such programs have gained much popularity over the past decade, as more and more universities are utilizing the internet to reach non traditional students.

In the fall of 2002, an estimated 1.6 million individuals were taking an online class. Five years later, that number has jumped to almost 4 million, prompted by the weakening economy that has encouraged more people to earn advanced degrees.

According to GetEducated.com, the percentage of college students taking at least one online course rose from 12 percent in 2003 to 25 percent in 2008.

 

By Aimee Chou